Bergen has a range of private and public healthcare facilities and services. All Norwegian residents have access to free or heavily subsidised primary, specialist, and hospital care through the public healthcare system. Expats who have registered with and contribute to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) will have access to the public healthcare system.
The NIS pays for the majority of medical expenses, although some, such as the cost of prescription medications or specific dental work, must be paid for out of pocket – there are also private insurance options that cover these additional expenses. Once a specific annual spending cap has been reached, the government issues an electronic card called the Frikort (free card). The Frikort holder is then exempt from payments for the rest of the year.
Although Norwegian public healthcare is world class, some people choose private medical care to see their preferred doctor or avoid long waiting lists. Although private healthcare in Norway is reasonably cheap when compared to the US, expats planning on making use of private healthcare in Bergen should consider purchasing health insurance to keep costs down.
Below is a list of recommended hospitals in Bergen.
Hospitals in Bergen
Haukeland University Hospital
Website: www.helse-bergen.no
Address: Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen
Betanien Hospital
Website: www.betaniensykehus.no
Address: Vestlundveien 23, 5145 Fyllingsdalen
Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital
Website: www.haraldsplass.no
Address: Ulriksdal 8, 5009 Bergen
Vestland Clinic
Website: www.vestlandklinikken.no
Address: Minde allé 48, 5068 Bergen